PBS Teachers

What is PBS Teachers?
PBS Teachers is PBS' central web destination for all PBS resources for preK-12 educators.

What sort of teaching resources do you provide?
PBS Teachers provides thousands of lesson plans, interactive games and simulations, maps, photos, essays and more on all major educational topics. The PBS Teachers site includes PBS TeacherLine, a special service offering more than 100 high-quality online professional development courses. Through PBS Shop Educational Products, we offer PBS video products especially for educators.

For which grades and subjects do you have educational resources available?
PBS Teachers provides resources for grades preK through 12 on most major subjects.

How can I find resources on a particular topic?
Two ways: either "browse by subject" or use our search tool. Advanced searching is also available.

Do I have to buy or record PBS programs in order to use the resources on this site?
No. Most of our online educational resources can be used as stand-alone resources, apart from their corresponding video programs. Where video is incorporated into a lesson or activity, we recommend the use of particular segments and those are often positioned as an extension idea or an optional warm-up. In addition, many video segments are available to be streamed online.

Why should I use video with my students?
Integrating video and other media in your classes has been proven to greatly help students understand new concepts and retain knowledge. We invite you to visit the Corporation for Public Broadcasting's report "Television Goes to School: The Impact of Video on Student Learning in Formal Education, 2004" found here to learn more about instructional video's unique advantages for teaching and learning.

I'm an early childhood educator. Does PBS Teachers have resources for me?
Yes, we do. Click here to find resources for early childhood educators.

What are the rules for recording a particular PBS program to use in schools?
Copyright and fair use guidelines for on-air recording for educators are available here. PBS Video also sells PBS programs, series, and specials which have been cleared for use in educational settings.

Does my local PBS station have educational resources?
In many cases, yes. Check your local station website (what is my local station?) to find out. Also, local educational content will appear when you localize the PBS Teachers website and when you use the PBS Teachers search.

How can I find out the latest about new educational PBS programs and websites?
Subscribe to PBS Teachers electronic newsletter and other information about PBS education services.

I have a question/comment/concern about PBS Teachers. How can I get in touch with you?
We want to hear your ideas and questions. Complete our feedback form here.

PBS Teacherline

What is PBS TeacherLine?
TeacherLine is an online service offering professional development courses to individual preK-12 teachers, school districts and states. PBS TeacherLine's courses are developed in collaboration with leading national educational organizations including the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), and the Concord Consortium, so every course is standards-driven. And through partnerships with PBS member stations, we offer additional courses aligned with state standards. PBS TeacherLine courses are developed from research-based best practices for online courses.

What subjects are covered in TeacherLine courses?
PBS TeacherLine currently offers courses in Mathematics, Reading/Language Arts, Science, Instructional Technology, and Instructional Strategies.

Do I have to pay for courses?
Yes. The price of a particular course can vary due to course length and whether or not you are seeking graduate or continuing education credit. Prices for courses are very competitive with other online professional development services.

Are the courses only available online?
Yes. PBS TeacherLine is an online-only professional development service.

Do I need strong computer skills to be able to succeed in an online course?
No, successful PBS TeacherLine learners represent a range of technology proficiency. The most critical attributes are that learners have access to a computer and a strong Internet connection. If you can send and receive email, you can succeed in one of our courses.

Are the courses easier because they are offered online?
No. PBS TeacherLine courses are rigorous and deserving of the graduate credits which some learners seek. Learners should be prepared to make a five hour per week commitment to the course over the six week cycle.

Can I earn graduate or continuing education credits for TeacherLine courses?
Yes. You have the opportunity to earn graduate credit from either Adams State College in Colorado or Indiana University-Bloomington. You may also qualify for credit from a local college or university. Click here for more information.

Shop PBS Educational Media

What is PBS Educational Media?
PBS Educational Media is where you can find PBS video products for educators that are cleared for use in school settings. PBS Shop for Teachers offers award-winning video programs on VHS and DVD, as well as companion books and other educational resources.

Where can I request a print catalog?
Click here to sign up to receive a catalog.

I'm interested in volume sales of PBS videos. Where can I find more information?
Click here for volume sales information.

I have a question about A/V rights for PBS videos purchased through PBS Educational Media. Is there more information available?
Yes, click here for the PBS VIDEO Purchase Agreement.

What are the rules for recording a particular PBS program to use in class?
Copyright and fair use guidelines for on-air recording for educators are available here. PBS Educational Media also sells PBS programs, series, and specials which have been cleared for use in educational settings.